From the early ’80’s to present day, this list counts down rap’s best lyricists and game changers in history. Tupac, Eminem, Kanye West, and The Notorious B.I.G are among the artists that appear on this amazing countdown. Rappers from all cities, both genders, and all races are all vying to be crowned the greatest rapper ever. Although there are strong opinions over who is the best rapper, here are the top five artists that have earned their place.

1. Eminem

Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is an American rapper, actor and music producer born on October 17, 1972 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Eminem has sold over 300 million records making him the best selling hip-hop artist of all time. In addition to his solo career, he is a member of D12. Rolling Stone ranked him 83rd on its list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, calling him the King of Hip Hop.

2. Tupac

Tupac Amaru Shakur, also known as 2Pac, was an American rapper and actor born on June 16, 1971 in East Harlem, New York. On September 7, 1996, Shakur was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting at an intersection in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tupac sold over 75 million records worldwide and has been referred to in multiple major publications such as Rolling Stone as one of the greatest music artists of all time.

3. The Notorious B.I.G

Christopher George Latore Wallace, better known by his stage name, The Notorious B.I.G, is consistently ranked as one of the best rappers of all time. He was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Brooklyn, New York on May 21, 1972. The Notorious B.I.G sold 17 million units worldwide, with 4 albums released. His first album Ready To Die (1994), is regarded by critics as one of the best hip hop/rap albums of all time and got very high ratings. The Ready to Die album was 15 on the Billboard Top 200 and number 3 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums, and had well known songs such as Juicy, Big Poppa, One More Chance, Warning, Unbelievable, Gimme The Loot and Suicidal Thoughts. On March 9, 1997, The Notorious B.I.G died in his home in Los Angeles, California.

4. Kanye West

On June 8, 1977, Kanye Omari West, an American rapper, songwriter, and fashion designer was born. Kanye West became a producer in the late 1990s, for musicians such as D-Dot and The Go-Getters. As time went on, he began working more well-known artists, like Nas and The Notorious B.I.G. By the year of 2000, Kanye West got signed with Roc-A-Fella Records, since Jay-Z saw “pure talent” in him. Kanye West is known for hits such as “Slow Jamz”, “Gold Digger”, and “Stronger”.

5. Kendrick Lamar

The legendary Kendrick Lamar was born on June 17, 1987. After four full-length projects, including the brand new album DAMN., the 29-year-old Kendrick Lamar has cemented his spot among hip-hop’s elite. He may not have the most hits or radio play, but when it comes to consistency, technical ability, and boundary-pushing content, he’s always at the forefront.

Numerous different skills and attributes all must come together to make a truly legendary rapper. A rapper must display a sense of rhythm and an ability to compliment the beat in unpredictable and exciting ways in order to make the top.